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HOPE

Concurrently, NASDA continues to refine the design and objectives of the H-II Orbiting Plane (HOPE). Since its beginning in 1987, the HOPE program, which was originally linked to servicing the international Freedom Space Station, has been beset by budgeting and political difficulties. Delays and the growing costs in the H-II development program have affected government commitments to the HOPE project (References 784-788). Both 10-metric-ton and 20-metric-ton versions of HOPE have been proposed in manned and unmanned modes of operation. If eventually deployed about the turn of the century, a 10-metric-ton, unmanned HOPE could become a major element in Japan's materials science program.

784. "Japanese Panel Recommends Spaceplane Developments, Aviation Week and Space Technology, 6 July 1987, p.31.

785. "Japan Showcases Maturing Space Program, Manufacturing Capabilities", Aviation Week and Space Technology, 19 June 1989, p. 66-70.

786. S. W. Kandebo, "Japanese Refining Unmanned HOPE Orbiter for Planned 1996 Launch", Aviation Week and Space Technology, 3 April 1989, p. 57-58.

787. "Space Agency Considers Doubling Size of HOPE Unmanned Space Vehicle", Aviation Week and Space Technology, 13 August 1990, p. 65-68.

788. K. P. Dawson, "Japan's Space Plane Faces Termination or Shrinking", Space News, 23-29 November 1992, p. 3.

Sources and Resources

• Adapted from: Europe and Asia in Space 1993-1994, Nicholas Johnson and David Rodvold [Kaman Sciences / Air Force Phillips Laboratory]

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